The ESTP logo

The essential element of the logo is an artistic free hand drawing encircled by a hexagon. The hexagon takes inspiration from chemistry and research, i.e. the aromatic benzene ring. The artistic drawing signals diversity of human life, freedom and joy attained on the premises of physical conditions provided by nature and understood though the study of natural sciences, in the logo symbolised and safeguarded by the hexagon. There may be many other readings of the logo dependent on the observer. The logo drawing resembles the G clef of music, which sets standard for lines and nodes from which music can be played on any instrument and throughout the world. There are actually many examples of G clefs, anchors and pieces of text tattooed on human skin as small drawings coming close to the chosen logo of the congress.

The ECTP also operates with an extended version of the logo including a text explaining the ECTP congress and its research mission.

The logo is copied from a document dating back to the middle ages namely a donation letter from 760 wherein Pippino (Pépin), King of the Franks donated a sum for the construction of a monastery in Fulda in appreciation of support extended to him by Pope Bonifatius in Rome, a manifestation of the alliance between physical and spiritual power. The Pope had anointed Pippino King of the Franks and consolidated his power and in reverse Pippino’s army defeated the Longobards, who had invaded northern Italy and approached Rome and the Vatican. Fulda was located in the longobardian territory and seen as a catholic expansion. Pippino’s son, Karl (742-814) also named Charlemagne or Carolus Magnus continued the alliance between King and Church, power and religion. He conquered most of central Europe and established an efficient system to control his empire. In the year 800 he was crowned in Rome as Emperor of Rome. It is hoped that the ECTP and the European Society of Tattoo and Pigment Research to become inaugurated at the ECTP in November 2013 despite the humble start nevertheless shall be successful in their endeavours, as Pippino was.

The logo is, to be more precise a detail of the appeal to Christ drawn at the very start of the 2nd line of the signature phrase of the Fulda donation letter, see figure below. In the middle ages it was in such important documents common to open with decorative elements (Krisnoms) expressing obedience to God and the Catholic Church. The extensive signature phrase and the whole text of course were made by professional writers, and the person of power as his sign off only filled in some tiny element with a primitive scratch. Charlemagne was even known not to be able to write! Documents were in Latin mastered by few outside the Church. Krisnoms often were artistic drawings free in style as we know from modern art, and from tattoos. Interestingly, the double cross sign # is for centuries used by doctors on recipes upfront the recipe message for the Pharmacist composing the medicinal remedy prescribed by the doctor for the patient. This Doctor’s in-the-name of God sign and appeal is thought to originate from a Krisnom long back in time. The # sign apparently by mystic coincidence also has found its way to the computer keyboard.

Text of the Fulda document: Signum + Pippino glorissimo rege; Krisnom with the ECTP logo, Hithericus in vice Baddilone followed by the Chancellors artistic sign of recognition (Hitheririus subscripsi) and a small cross representing the “signature” field; data in mense Junio anno regni nostril Actum Atiniago (or Attigny) palatio publico. Hitherius was the Chancellor, Wigbald or “Baddilone” the writer. Pippin as sign off only scratched a small cross field in the prepared document. The original document is for many years maintained in the Prussian State Archive in Magdeburg.